Simple Cheese Plate

I love a simple cheese plate when entertaining. In place of a traditional board for serving, I like to change things up and use a pretty platter. You can create a beautiful (and tasty!) display with the right mix of color, textures, and groupings.

Here are a few tips for creating the perfect cheese plate:

Quantity - More is more and you want your plate to be full! I prefer not to have a lot of dead space and larger groupings make more of an impact.

Color-A pop of color works wonders! Use red grapes or green olives to bring the plate to life.

Texture - Food is all about texture. Be sure to compliment the smooth taste of a cheese with other textures from fruits, nuts, and meats.

Variety - Offer your guests not only a variety of cheeses (soft, hard, creamy), but a variety of other things like a few different types of crackers and meats. I tend to play it safe with my cheeses, especially if I don't know my guests' preferences, and stick with a sharp cheddar, a great parmigiano, and a brie/triple creme (for example).

Lastly, a great plate can really make your presentation. As the food disappears, as your guests enjoy it, you want to be left with a nice plate. Shop the platter I used from Open Door and a variety of other unique pieces for your home at the opendoorshop.com. Open Door is one of my favorite shops in Charleston, SC. I love the unique things they have for entertaining at home. Shop online and receive 15% sitewide with code NOTEWORTHY15. Offer good through 4/10/17.

Open Door is a collection of goods for the home. The shop celebrates gatherings with friends, a beautiful meal with family and a happy home. Each item is hand selected keeping these notions in mind. Open Door launched in 2013 as an e-commerce site with a focus on small brands and quality goods. In 2015, Open Door expanded into a brick and mortar space in the thriving Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood in Charleston, SC. The little shop is a favorite amongst locals for its ever changing tablescapes and hip brands.